Gas Leak in Boksburg’s Angelo Informal Settlement Claims Lives of Women and Children

The Ekurhuleni EMS has confirmed that 24 people have died of suspected gas inhalation at the Angelo informal settlement in the Boksburg Johannesburg gas leak on Wednesday night.

According to TimesLIVE, the devastating incident occurred on Wednesday night when nitrate oxide leaked from a gas cylinder used by zama-zamas operating from a shack in the settlement.

As authorities continue investigating, Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson William Ntladi confirmed that officials are still searching the scene for additional casualties. The search and recovery team is meticulously combing the shacks in the surrounding area to ensure they don’t overlook anyone.

The paramedics discovered that all those affected by the gas had tragically passed away, and no individuals were receiving medical treatment. The exact timing of the gas leak remains unclear, but when emergency workers were alerted to the scene around 8 pm, they found the cylinder empty.

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Providing a firsthand account, an Ekurhuleni EMS officer revealed the harrowing details of the scene, with the bodies of women and children scattered throughout the settlement, close to the leak’s origin. The zama-zama miners, who reside in the community, utilise gas cylinders for gold cleaning and refinement. Unfortunately, the gas cylinders leaked. This leak resulted in those who were sleeping to suffocate, while others who were awake perished in their attempt to escape the overwhelming fumes.

The youngest victims, for now, are reported to be two and five years old, adding to the heart-wrenching nature of the incident. Images from the scene, seen by TimesLIVE, capture the devastating aftermath.

Amidst initial confusion, a local metro police department official clarified that while the initial call mentioned an explosion, further investigations revealed it was a gas leakage.

Authorities remain present at the scene.

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Picture: Twitter / MKHWANAZI_SYA

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